Pacifica Pier
Sand beachbreak either side of the municipal pier at Sharp Park in Pacifica. The pier pilings hold a sandbar that shifts through the season.
When it’s on
Pacifica Pier works best on a WSW to NW swell. Light offshore wind from the east through northeast. Mid tide window.
When beginners can paddle out
Small clean swell under about waist high, light wind, mid tide, and well clear of the pier structure.
Spot intel
- Parking
- Free street parking along Beach Boulevard and a public lot at the pier.
- Crowd
- Moderate. Mixed ability, and the peaks spread either side of the pier.
- Beginner-friendly?
Depends.
A sandbar on a small day, but the beach carries rip currents, cold water year-round, and pier pilings that are an immediate hazard on a wave that closes toward them.
- Famous for
- The Sharp Park pier break in Pacifica, the most visible surf spot on the San Mateo coast from Highway 1.
- Lineup etiquette
- Beachbreak priority is per-wave. Give the pier pilings a wide margin regardless of who has the wave.
Where it breaks
- Coordinates
- 37.6280, -122.4950
- Shore faces
- WSW
- Region
- Pacifica, California
Common questions
- What swell direction is best for Pacifica Pier?
- Pacifica Pier works best on a WSW to NW swell.
- How big does Pacifica Pier need to be?
- Pacifica Pier is best in the 2-6ft range on a 9-15s period.
- What are the best conditions at Pacifica Pier?
- Light or offshore wind under about 8 knots, with the tide around 1-4ft.
- Where is Pacifica Pier?
- Pacifica Pier is a pier-sandbar beach in Pacifica, California. The beach faces WSW.
- Does GhostFingers forecast Pacifica Pier?
- Yes. GhostFingers grades Pacifica Pier with a six-tier verdict from swell height, period, direction, tide, and wind. iPhone, winter 2026.
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